5 Ways to Bring More Hygge into Your Bedroom This Winter

So, what’s this word “hygge” all about? Hygge refers to a Danish lifestyle concept that dates back to 19th century Scandinavia. Pronounced “hoo-ga,” the Danes believe there is much to be gained by creating cozy living spaces and surroundings that speak to simpler and even smaller creature comforts. Think ski lodge-cool, soft-as-a-cotton-ball socks, and the comfort of warm and steamy beverages on our coldest winter days. These are all elements and examples of living “Hygge”.

Let’s see what happens when we apply this way of thinking to décor and design to our most basic retreat –the bedroom.

Play with Wall Texture

While plain drywall and standard art and shelving is practical,  adding features like wood beams and wood wall accents changes a functional room into a sanctuary space that can transport you to another place. Reset your “head space” button with warm woods interspersed with other textures like stone and toss in a fur throw for a completely enveloping experience and perhaps, a well-earned, long winter’s nap. (Photo credit: Yellowstone Traditions)

Choose a Fireplace as Your Focal Point

Technology and advancements in in-home heating make in-bedroom fireplaces more convenient than ever. It seems a shame NOT to add this feature as a room focal point that can be all at once posh and practical. Be sure to research which heat source is best for you: gas, wood or even electric. Remember, there are varying levels of convenience depending on which energy source you choose—as it can actually mean the difference between “sawing wood” and chopping it. (Photo credit: cornerfireplaceideas.com)

Add a Romantic Seating Area

Create a soothing mood and get comfy before you even hit the sheets, by allowing enough room in your floor plan for a cozy seating area for reading, meditating or just plain conversing—remember conversation? Add books, aroma therapy candles, wine—whatever adds to a relaxing space. The most progressive floor plans even allow space for a wine or mini fridge and wet bar, for those nights when breaking the Zen zone by leaving the room is just not an option. (Photo credit: Inspired By Love)

Layer in Comfort Under Foot

It wasn’t that long ago that bedrooms were bastions of wall-to-wall carpet pile, and with good reason—comfort and warmth. Choosing a warm hardwood for this room can be just as cozy and practical (a great choice for the allergy-prone) when you add the right area rug, and maybe even layer in more texture with a faux animal skin in winter. How deliciously Danish! (Photo credit: New Pacific Direct, Inc.)

Go For Glow

Never underestimate the influence lighting has on a room, especially bedroom lighting. While classic, task lighting is desired for dressing and reading purposes, it’s not the only lighting option you should consider for this room. A bedroom with a Hygge vibe will exude a warm glow. Fortunately, now there are more romantic wall-mounted options than ever—as well as, on-trend, boutique pendant lighting that helps create the ambient environment and feeling of well-being so important for Hygge living. (Photo ©2016 Lisa J. Gotto)

Want to bring that sense of “hygge” into an existing bedroom or have a new one designed with this concept in mind? Lundberg Builders are ready to help you create cozy interiors for the winter and all year-round with the custom touches and timeless details that make a house a home.

Create your wish list and contact Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

 

 

 

 

What to look for in a home if you want to age in place

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently, and comfortably, regardless of age, income, or ability level.” Read on to learn of some ways that can allow you to stay safer in your home as you grow older.

Easier drawer pulls

Lever door handles are easier to turn than knobs. These are among one of the more inexpensive changes that can be added to your home.

Think flooring. Wood, linoleum, cork or even rubber flooring are good options because they are easier on joints and safer if a fall were to occur.

Being able to pull out shelves to reach exactly what you need is necessary especially when things become less accessible as you age. Wide, easy-to-grab cabinet and drawer pulls are essential if you want to age in place. Cabinet knobs and drawer pulls are also a fairly inexpensive change.

Wider hallways and passages to accommodate a wheelchair or walker. In the kitchen, the Americans With Disabilities Act guidelines require at least 60 inches of clearance between opposing cabinets, walls or appliances for U-shaped kitchens; galley or “pass through” kitchens require at least 40 inches of clearance between opposing surfaces.

No-threshold shower. Although these are growing in popularity due to the sleek look they offer, curbless showers are essential in an aging in place home as they are easier and safer to use. Grab bars can also be added for more safety.

Curbless shower
Curbless shower

Atleast one no step entry in to the home that is covered and well lit. This is essential to allow access for wheelchairs and walkers.

Elevator. If the home is more then one level be sure the staircase has secure banisters as well as an elevator. If you are not prepared to install an elevator currently, you can frame in stacked closets on top of each other to use for storage until you are ready to add in the elevator.

Wider doors to allow for walkers and wheelchairs. It is suggested that doorways be atleast 32-inches wide.

Install comfort-height toilets. These are two to three inches higher than traditional toilets, and require less bending to sit on.

In conclusion, addressing flooring issues, installing additional lighting and adding in a curbless showers are all things that may be beneficial to all ages and can be more aesthetically appealing. Are you considering adding any of these features to your home?

Sources houzz.com and The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention